Why Study Sociology

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Why Study Sociology?

Before you ever knew about Sociology, you had a world view (this is called Standpoint Theory) . Being born to a middle class family in the United States, my family helped to shape my point of view. If I had been born in Chile, China, or Chad I would have a different view of the word

Why study sociology? Sociology prepares one for a lifetime of change, developing one's appreciation of diversity, love of learning, as well as a knowledge base about human behavior, social organization, and culture. If you are the type who doesn't necessarily follow the crowd (but are fascinated by their behavior), the type who is truly interested in what is going on in the world, then sociology should interest you.

Second, the field helps us look more objectively at the society in which we live. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together as well as the causes and consequences of social change. In modern industrial-bureaucratic societies we are faced with an increasingly complex and rapidly changing social milieu. A study of sociology provides the conceptual tools and methodologies for understanding the contemporary scene. By focusing on the external constraints to social action it helps us better understand ourselves and the motivations of others around us. While we are all creatures of our society, we are also the creators--sociology provides the tools so that we can take a more active role in that creation, a role that is essential if we hope to achieve a more just society.

In today's world of specialization and career oriented majors in college, a degree in sociology seems on the surface to have little relevance. But leaders of industry, government, and education have increasingly been advocating a strong liberal arts education as the most effective path to career attainment. The United States Department of Labor forecasts that people entering the job market today will change careers several times over the course of their work life. Rather than prepare the student for a narrow specialty, the liberal arts prepare the individual to meet the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly diverse and complex society. For those that pursue advanced degrees in sociology, there are also opportunities. Following is a list of positions held by persons with Masters degrees in Sociology, who are working outside of academic settings; however, it is not an exhaustive list of occupations in which sociologists are engaged.

Resource Coordinator for Juvenile Services, State Dept. of Corrections
Director, Comprehensive Manpower Center, Urban League
Systems Manager and Research Analyst for county Department of Mental Health.
Scientist with Bechtel Group Inc. (socio-economic studies; nuclear waste isolation project)
Consultant to Parole Agency.
Research Analyst, URSA Institute.
Community Liaison Representative, state Department of Developmental Services.
Program Assistant, county Mental Health Department.
Director, Criminal Justice Evaluation Unit, regional Association of Governments.
Sociologist, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.
Manager, Information Systems, with county Health Care Services.
Administrator, State Home for the Aged Deaf.
Public Health Advisor, US Public Health Service.
Environmental Specialist, Private firm generating evaluation studies and environmental impact statements.